Start-up support in London: First Warwick Enterprise Programme cohort at The Shard

WBS London at The Shard has welcomed its first intake of entrepreneurs to start the Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme.  

Designed to accelerate and empower innovative ventures from students and alumni with world-class business expertise from Warwick Business School’s academics and Warwick Enterprise, the programme is part of the School’s commitment to foster entrepreneurship. 

The inaugural group features 17 start-ups spanning sectors from agritech and healthcare to AI-driven compliance and personal branding. 

Entrepreneurs are embarking on a 12-month incubator that will develop their start-up from early concept through to a validated, investment-ready business. The programme blends practical workshops with tailored one-to-one coaching, and access to a network of start-up expertise. 

Karen Barker, Director of Stakeholder Engagement at WBS, said: “By bringing these founders into our London base at The Shard, we’re connecting them to a global network of expertise and opportunity. 

“We have world-class academics working on the cutting-edge of research in digital innovation, entrepreneurship, strategy, behavioural science, AI and more. With more than 250 faculty there is a wealth of knowledge and research to tap into, while our location at the heart of one of the world’s financial capitals brings our founders within reach of key investors and influential business networks. 

“As a School for the Change Makers, we believe the world needs smart ideas and leaders who can bring them to life – this programme will help our students and alumni do just that.” 

The first group of start-ups went through a gruelling selection process, that saw them whittled down to a shortlist of entrepreneurs who then pitched their ideas to a panel of experts before gaining a place on the programme. 

One successful applicant is MBA alum Onur Kucukkilic, whose FarmLink start-up is revolutionising agriculture with a digital platform that connects small-scale farmers to institutional buyers while offering agritech tools to increase income, reduce waste, and improve market access.  

Meanwhile, clinician and current Executive MBA student Manjovan Dhariwal has set up The Dental Cooperative, which provides full business support and infrastructure to help dentists own and operate high-quality, patient-focused practices. 

Venkata Durvasula finished his Executive MBA at WBS this year and, along with fellow WBS graduate Arokia Antonysamy, has used his new-found knowledge to  launch MindKonnect, a platform that empowers users to complete comprehensive self-assessments on their mental health and access specialist treatment of their choice.  

Another Executive MBA student on the programme is Suryabala Shenbagamurthy, who has come up with myTagline, an AI-powered tool that coaches professionals to build personal brands through daily content from experts. 

How Warwick helps students turn ideas into businesses

A trio of Master’s students will spend a year developing TrainGrid. Saloni Agrawal, who is studying MSc Business with Marketing, MSc Finance & Economics student Chirag Aggarwal, and Prabhav Kaushik, an MSc Business & Finance student, have devised a fitness platform that connects coaches and clients for personalised training and seamless management. 

Alexander McLeod, Start-up Coach at Warwick Enterprise, said: “The diversity and ambition of this first cohort is inspiring. From agritech to AI, these start-ups are tackling real-world challenges with creativity and resilience. 

“Our role is to provide the tools, mentorship, and connections they need to scale successfully. 

“The Warwick Enterprise Start-up Programme will provide participants with tailored coaching, access to WBS faculty expertise, and opportunities to connect with investors. By situating the programme at The Shard, WBS offers founders a strategic location at the heart of London’s business ecosystem.”

Discover more about entrepreneurship at Warwick Business School.